|
Transportation of natural gas, crude oil
and various petroleum products in SE Asia is
increasingly being developed through pipeline systems rather than by previous
road or rail networks. Improvements in pipeline routing design, construction
methods and reclamation technology,(e.g.,
directional drilling of watercourses and effective slope stabilization
techniques on rugged terrain), combined with greater consideration of public
involvement, has been particularly important in the development of the
pipeline industry in this region of the world.
A recent example of integrated pipeline
planning in Thailand is the proposed extension to the "Thappline" which connects petroleum refineries to
the southeast of Bangkok with various terminals in central and northern Thailand.) Two new pipelines have been proposed to serve
markets in northern and northeastern Thailand, adding a further 900 km to the petroleum
products pipeline system.
Regulatory approval in Thailand requires the preparation of an EIA, involving the
integration of the Thai regulatory process, stakeholder/public consultation
and consideration of route-specific technical issues (engineering,
environmental and socio-economic). This paper presents an approach and
methods used in the scoping of the EIA and in the preliminary route selection
process within the SE Asia context. Many unique challenges were encountered
given the diversity of both the physical and cultural landscape. Route
evaluation was conducted to minimize impacts on intensive agricultural land
uses, mining concessions, Khlongs (irrigation
canals) and historical and religious sites, while also considering protected
parks (elephant reserves) and environmentally sensitive forests and wetlands.
Cumulative environmental effects were also a consideration in the issue
scoping. Routing options also the possible joint uses of existing powerline,
highways and railroad rights of way.
A Geographic Information System (GIS)
database was integral to the route selection and scoping process. A
combination of satellite imagery and thematic maps was also used to assign
sensitivity and significance ratings to various pipeline route options. The
resulting environmental and socio-economic screening tables were used to
identify and rank route options. A comparative route evaluation matrix (KT
analysis) was also completed to compare route options and to focus workshop
input using expert knowledge and the results of public consultation programs.
The results are presented in an integrated format to clearly identify the
issues and possible approaches towards solutions associated with pipeline
development in Thailand.
Ref#: Abs-1-138
|